Chapter 6 - A HOUSE WITHOUT LOCKED DOORS
Clara slowly became part of the Russo household.
Not because Maximilian demanded it.
Because she wanted to stay.
She helped the cook.
She teased Mrs. Gable.
She spent afternoons reading in the library.
And every evening, Maximilian came home looking for her.
Sometimes they talked.
Sometimes they simply sat together.
Their relationship grew quietly.
No dramatic declarations.
No rushing.
Just trust.
One evening, Clara asked,
“Why don't you let anyone into your room?”
Maximilian looked at her.
“Because I don't sleep well.”
“Nightmares?”
“Yes.”
“About your brother?”
“Mostly.”
She reached for his hand.
“Can I ask what happened?”
“You can.”
“But you don't have to answer.”
He smiled faintly.
“You're always giving me exits.”
“You deserve them.”
He looked at her.
“You're the first person who has ever said that.”
That night, Maximilian finally told her everything.
His father had been controlling.
His brother had rebelled.
The family had fractured.
Maximilian had taken responsibility for everyone.
Eventually, he became colder.
Not because he wanted power.
Because he believed softness got people killed.
Clara listened.
Then she whispered,
“You don't have to be cold with me.”
He looked at her.
“I don't know how not to be.”
“Learn.”
He laughed quietly.
“I'll try.”
And he did.
He learned to cook badly.
He learned Clara liked strawberry tea.
He learned the baby kicked whenever he played classical music.
He learned she hated thunderstorms.
So whenever storms came, he stayed nearby.
Then, one evening, Clara woke from a nightmare.
She found Maximilian sitting outside her bedroom door.
“You're awake?”
“I heard you.”
She looked at him.
“You don't have to stay.”
“I know.”
He stayed anyway.
She sat beside him.
After a while, she rested her head against his shoulder.
He froze.
Then slowly relaxed.
“Max?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For staying.”
He kissed the top of her head.
“You're welcome.”
It was the first night Clara felt completely safe.
But safety was fragile.
Three days later, her father disappeared from the hospital.
The room was empty.
His belongings were gone.
Security footage showed a nurse taking him away.
But the nurse had never existed.
Maximilian's expression became terrifying when he saw the footage.
“This wasn't random.”
Clara's hands shook.
“Where is my father?”
“We'll find him.”
“Promise?”
He looked at her.
“I promise.”
Hours later, a phone call came.
A distorted voice spoke.
“You have something we want.”
Maximilian replied calmly.
“What?”
“The girl.”
Clara's blood turned cold.
The voice continued.
“Bring Clara to the old train station.”
Maximilian immediately ended the call.
“No.”
Clara stared.
“They have my father.”
“I'll get him.”
“I’m coming.”
“No.”
“Max.”
“No.”
She stepped closer.
“You promised to stay.”
“I did.”
“Then don't leave me behind.”
He stared at her.
She placed a hand over her stomach.
“That's my father.”
Finally, Maximilian nodded.
“But you stay beside me.”
May you like
She agreed.
Neither realized the entire situation was a trap.
